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arXiv · 2501.09148

Correlation between structural and magnetic properties of epitaxial YIG films by pulsed laser deposition

José Diogo Costa·N. Claessens·Giacomo Talmelli·Davide Tierno·F. Amar·Thibaut Devolder·Matthijn Dekkers·Florin Ciubotaru·Christoph Adelmann
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Abstract

In this study, we investigate the relationships between film growth conditions, crystalline microstructure, and magnetic properties of epitaxial Yttrium Iron Garnet (Y$_3$Fe$_5$O$_{12}$, YIG) thin films, deposited on Gallium Gadolinium Garnet (Ga$_3$Gd$_5$O$_{12}$, GGG). A direct correlation was observed between the residual epitaxial strain, bulk magnetic properties like saturation magnetization and magnetic damping), and the performance of spin-wave transmission devices based on these films. This correlation offers a pathway for a simplified, rapid assessment of YIG film quality, avoiding the need for complex time-consuming characterization techniques. In addition, we report a comprehensive investigation into the influence of pulsed-laser deposition parameters, including deposition temperature, pressure, laser fluence, frequency, and annealing conditions. Through systematic deposition optimization, state-of-the-art YIG films exhibiting ultralow magnetic damping could be obtained, which is critical for high-performance spintronic applications.

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José Diogo Costa, N. Claessens, Giacomo Talmelli, Davide Tierno, F. Amar, Thibaut Devolder, Matthijn Dekkers, Florin Ciubotaru, Christoph Adelmann. 2025-01-15. Correlation between structural and magnetic properties of epitaxial YIG films by pulsed laser deposition. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c12736

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